Veg club sign. Photo taken by Kayla Sousa.
The Veg Club is at its second year running after beginning in October of last year. The club consists of a group of students that discuss vegetarianism and veganism in society.
Initially the club began with senior Ariel Gustowski, president and founder of The Veg Club, who wanted to create a “safe environment” for those “who seek support” in their lifestyle. At the age of sixteen she became vegan for competitive reasons as well as becoming a better athlete. She soon discovered the health benefits and the great effects on the environment as well as how the lifestyle “helps replenish our environment”. Her love for animals also helped her make the decision of going vegan and she has never looked back to return on her past eating habits. Ariel Gustowski says her vegan lifestyle has “helped widen [her] perspective of different foods” and become more prone to trying new foods.
Senior member Matthew Savini Burke began his vegetarian journey as a bet at fifteen years old. He was an avid meat eater before the transition and didn’t eat many fruits or vegetables. After researching online about animal cruelty and reasons why to minimize meat intake, he made the decision permanent. This bet became a lifestyle. He initially came across a YouTuber who helped with the transition and went vegan at the age of sixteen. At seventeen he went back to vegetarianism due to health reasons. He states that the transition “was difficult for family due to their high meat diet” but was very surprised at how “inexpensive the transition was” and how not all “vegan and vegetarian food is bland and simple” but can be flavorful. The transition also helped him “become a more independent person” in his eating habits.
Justine Muir, who is also vegetarian, is the club advisor. She states that “the group consists of a passionate group of students who believe in a plant-based lifestyle” and that is what makes this club different from all others. During the weekly meetings they “spend time discussing and sharing resources with each other like cooking or baking while munching on delicious vegan snacks” and often go to farmers markets and food festivals.
The club itself meets every Friday at 2:15 at H410 in Muir’s room. Gustowski states that they are unlike other clubs because they “are friends inside and outside of school” and regularly “go on field trips to Haymarket and vegan restaurants.” Members ultimately want to discuss “the vegan world and educate those who come” and “ try to limit the stereotypes on vegans and vegetarians.” Members of the Veg Club often share recipes and bring in vegan and vegetarian food to try out. Advisor and members say that the club welcomes anyone who is “openminded no matter what diet you have” and are open to new ideas.
